Violated rules set by First Lady Michelle Obama.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: An unidentified teacher in Williamson, West Virginia, was fined after allegedly violating federal rules championed by first lady Michelle Obama.
According to the Education Action Group Foundation, the Pre-K through eighth grade teacher would give her students “wrapped candy” as a reward for their hard work and good behavior.
When the situation was discovered by Mingo County Schools Director of Child Nutrition Kay Maynard, she placed a call to officials at the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to report the incident, reported the Williamson Daily News.
Maynard also reportedly spoke with Williamson PreK-8 Principal Shannon Blackburn about the possibility of a monetary fine for the teacher, and parents have rallied behind the teacher, starting a fundraiser to collect pennies in order to pay for any potential financial punishment.
However, Maynard later spoke with WVDE and explained that since this was a well-intentioned effort by the teacher and not a deliberate attempt to violate state policy a less severe consequence should be considered. The WVDE agreed, and instead of imposing a fine, the staff at Williamson PreK-8 School will be required to develop a corrective plan of action that includes training on child nutrition policies.
Administrators with Mingo County Schools claim the federal rules were developed “to help educators encourage students to make healthy decisions.” If not followed, schools can be required to return federal food service money, lose eligibility for state and federal food service programs, or bring about similar consequences to the entire county.
According to the Williamson Daily News, all 11 Mingo County schools received the Silver Award from the HealthierUS School Challenge, and continue to work with local community organizations to encourage students, staff, and parents to make healthier choices both at school and at home.
4 Comments
The teacher wasn’t fined, Michelle Obama doesn’t make any rules, the WVDE policy on food rewards was in place before Obama was ever elected. Other than that, stellar reporting.
Sounds like the Mingo County Schools Director of Child Nutrition Kay Maynard needs a real job.
The rules are not set by the First Lady Michelle Obama. I want to get the facts myself and not just listen to someone who wants to paint this First Lady in a bad light. Beside maybe some parents don’t want their kids to have candy, you can reward kids with something else beside candy. Candy or any sweets shouldn’t be a reward for good behavior or making a good grade.
but for the grace of God there go I!!!